Friday, March 29, 2013

2013 Perennial Plant of the Year

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ or Variegated Solomon’s Seal has been named the 2013 Perennial Plant of the year by the Perennial Plant Association.

This shade-loving ground cover was picked for it’s hardiness in a wide planting zone range (Zones 4 to 8) . Growing 18 to 24-inches tall and wide, the plant spreads by underground rhizomes to form “colonies” or mass plantings. Solomon’s Seal is an excellent choice for the shady to partly sunny woodland garden as its variegated foliage can be used to lighten up a dark or shady spot in the garden. The plant is known better for its arching evergreen leaves that are lush and variegated than for its hanging white flowers that bloom in Spring.

Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is an excellent companion plant for Variegated Solomon’s Seal! And you all know that I am a HUGE fan of planting bulbs in with groundcovers. I do it all the time in my practice - it gives more seasonal interest to a mass of groundcover.

You’ll want to plant Solomon’s Seal in a shady spot that is moist but well-drained. Variegated Solomon’s Seal is an excellent low-growing ground cover that will colonize but not spread all over the garden.

Each year, Perennial Plant Award winners are chosen by the members of the Perennial Plant Association for the plant's beauty, durability, suitability to a wide range of climate types, low maintenance, multiple seasonal interest, and easy growing nature.

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About Me

I am a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister and a friend. I love writing, plants, garden design and architecture. As a practicing and registered Landscape Architect living and working in southeastern North Carolina, I have devoted my professional life to helping others create meaningful and beautiful outdoor spaces for living. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and educating others about the things I am most passionate about.

March Plant of the Month

Oxalis regnelli, otherwise known as the Shamrock, is the most recognized symbol of Ireland and is often associated with the Irish and St. Patrick's Day. Otherwise known as woodsorrel, it was a sacred plant to the Druids of Ireland. Its leaves formed a triad and three was a mystical number in the Celtic religion. St. Patrick used the shamrock in the 5th Century to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity as he introduced Christianity to Ireland. In later years, it was worn on the lapel. Hence the slogan "wearin' of the green."

To all my friends in Blogland, Happy St. Patrick's Day!May the roof above us never fall in. And may the friends gathered below it never fall out!